On this date in 1996, the SuperSonics topped the Jazz 90-86 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, putting them in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1979. Shawn Kemp led the way with 26 points while Gary Payton had 21. The Sonics would of course succumb to Michael Jordan's Bulls in the Finals but earned the distinction of being only the second team in NBA Finals history to battle to a Game 6 after trailing 3-0 in the series.
If you have a great blog piece that you think we should feature in Hoops Links, then send it to me at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. This week's linkage..
- Know Hitter sees value in Rashard Lewis' contract.
- Golden State Of Mind has some seriously advanced offensive player summaries for the W's.
- Queen City Hoops turns in their report card for Tyrus Thomas.
- RealGM wonders if Missouri has the best transfer class in history.
- Digital Refrain assigns a band for every Eastern Conference team.
- NBA 24 7 365 praises Thabo Sefolosha.
- Hoops Addict looks at hidden gems in the 2012 draft.
- Sactown Royalty tried to convince the basketball gods that the Kings deserved to win the lottery.
- Bucksketball wonders if Perry Jones III is Milwaukee-bound.
- Brew Hoop looks back at the Bucks' draft in 2007.
- Truth About It reflects on Cartier Martin's season.
- Ballin Europe breaks down the struggling Adriatic League.
- The Basketball Post profiled Anthony Davis.
- Rufus On Fire looks back at the Bobcats' small forwards in 2011/12.
- The Good Point remembers the play of Jerry Stackhouse.
- Shaky Ankles wonders if the Warriors are beggars or choosers this offseason.
- Magic Basketball rounded up everyone's favorite Stan Van Gundy memories.
- Nets Are Scorching implores Billy King to roll the dice.
- The Hoop Doctors praise Phil Jackson for passing on Orlando's offer.
- Recliner GM decides which Sixers should stay and which should go.
- Swish Appeal thinks the Silver Stars will need some serious chemistry to win in 2012.
- Hardwood Paroxysm talks about what the lottery means to the T'Wolves.
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